Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Loss to Blues Puts Stamp on Bad Season

Liverpool's season of disappointment just got worse. They took another one on the chin today, this time at the hands of rival Chelsea.

The Blues defeated the Reds 2-1 to capture the FA Cup.

Liverpool's season has had its share of disappointment, but this one had to sting a bit more. Reaching the FA Cup through an up-and-down season presented the opportunity for some redemption and salvage.

With the loss, Liverpool has squandered the chance to complete a domestic cup double win. They had already won the Carling Cup, and another domestic trophy could have arguably softened the blow of what was a poor season in League play.

But that wasn't to be, as Chelsea and goalkeeper Petr Cech made sure the Reds would taste defeat today. Cech's great save denied Andrew Carroll his second goal of the match, and sent Liverpool home with more disappointment.

Consider the fails of this campaign by the Reds.

They have dropped 30 points at home this season. For a proud club like Liverpool, nothing is worse than being trampled on your own turf.

By dropping this match, they are now going to have one of their lowest point totals in the three-point-per win era.

Though most of their slip-ups have come in league play, this one is grouped in with their poor performances over the past 15 matches. They must make some changes to personnel during the transfer season.

Of all the prominent English clubs, Liverpool has fallen to a place that I'm sure its fans are uncomfortable with. A seventh place finish in league play would be a brutal reality and one that won't sit well with ownership.

A win today could have given fans, players, and coaches something to feel good about heading into the close of play and transfer season.

But now, major questions will be asked, and many of them will be concerning manager Kenny Dalglish's future with the club.

Ownership would be hasty to make a change in management, but shoring up midfielders is a must. It is unfair to blame Dalglish when play is hampered by a lack of talented midfielders.

He should get another chance to prove he can lead this club back to relevance.

Improving in that area must be the primary focus for the club, if they are to avoid another disappointing season like this one.

Brian Mazique

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